Chapter 2.15 CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS

A. All members will be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, unless otherwise specified by law. All members to be appointed or reappointed must provide an updated application, including background check form.

B. All applicants will be interviewed by the Mayor and/or other Councilmembers or staff as determined by the Mayor, except any person who was interviewed for the same position by the current Mayor may be reappointed without being interviewed. This section shall not apply to sitting Councilmembers.

C. All appointed or reappointed members will be subject to a background check unless one was conducted, and passed, within the previous twelve (12) months.

D. City of SeaTac employees who are City residents are eligible for appointment (so long as there is no conflict with the employee’s job duties).

E. Councilmember’s immediate family members (spouse or State-registered domestic partner, parent, step-parent, sibling, child, stepchild, grandparent, or the employee’s spouse or domestic partner’s parent or sibling) shall not be appointed or serve on advisory committees of the City. However, in the event a family member was appointed prior to a Councilmember being elected or appointed, the family member shall be allowed to serve out their term. (Ord. 19-1013 § 1: Ord. 18-1015 § 1: Ord. 17-1010 § 2)

2.15.025 Diversity.

City of SeaTac committees encourage the participation of residents, businesses and service providers across the City. Committees foster an environment where individuals of diverse backgrounds may contribute without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability. (Ord. 21-1029 § 1)

2.15.030 Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and rules of procedure.

Each Citizen Advisory Committee, Board, or Commission shall elect its own Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, unless otherwise specified in this chapter or by law, and may establish bylaws or rules of procedures as long as they do not conflict with this chapter or any applicable law. (Ord. 17-1010 § 3)

2.15.040 Quorum.

A majority of the appointed members of each Citizen Advisory Committee, Board, or Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action taken by a majority of the members present, when those present constitute a quorum, at any meeting of a Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Board, or Commission shall be deemed to be the action of the Committee. (Ord. 17-1010 § 4)

2.15.050 Staff liaison and support.

The City Manager shall designate a City employee to act as staff liaison to each Advisory Committee, Board, or Commission. The staff liaison shall produce, in cooperation with the Chair, an agenda for distribution to the Committee, Board, or Commission and the public. The staff liaison shall attend each meeting of the Advisory Committee, Board, or Commission, and shall take and publish minutes of each meeting. The staff liaison shall provide copies of the agenda, and the published minutes of meetings by posting them to the website calendar appointment for the meeting. Prior to consideration of any topic, the staff liaison person shall prepare and provide to each Committee, Board, or Commission member a staff report and documentary information, as may be appropriate. (Ord. 17-1010 § 5)

2.15.060 Annual update to City Council.

Each Citizen Advisory Committee, Board, or Commission shall provide an annual update to the City Council during a City Council meeting or in writing. (Ord. 17-1010 § 6)

2.15.070 Youth membership.

The Mayor may appoint two (2) qualified youth members, one (1) voting member and one (1) alternate member, to the Community Services Advisory Committee, Arts, Culture, and Library Advisory Committee, and Sidewalk Advisory Committee.

If youth applications are not received, the voting position may be filled by other qualified residents or business representatives. The alternate position will not be filled with anyone other than a qualified youth member.

Any youth member must be a student residing in the City and be between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) at the time of appointment.

Youth members shall serve for a term of one (1) year. (Ord. 21-1029 § 2; Ord. 17-1010 § 7)

2.15.080 Terms.

Members shall serve for a term of three (3) years, unless otherwise specified in this chapter. This section shall not apply to sitting Councilmembers. (Ord. 17-1010 § 8)

2.15.090 Vacancies.

All vacancies, including current positions with terms ending, will be open for qualified individuals to apply. If a vacancy occurs during a current term, a qualified successor shall be appointed to serve the remainder of the unexpired term. If the unexpired term is six (6) months or less, the appointee will be appointed to fill the unexpired term plus one full term. If a successor has not yet been appointed at the end of an appointed term, the current member may serve past the end of their appointed term until a successor has been appointed. (Ord. 17-1010 § 9)

2.15.100 Absences.

If a committee member’s lack of attendance at committee meetings is impacting the committee’s ability to carry out its responsibilities, the City Manager should notify the Administration and Finance (A&F) Committee of the circumstances. In such circumstances, the A&F Committee may declare the position held by that member vacant and allow a new member to be appointed by the Mayor for the remainder of the unexpired term, subject to confirmation by the City Council. (Ord. 19-1013 § 2: Ord. 18-1015 § 2: Ord. 17-1010 § 10)

2.15.110 Compensation.

The members of the Advisory Committees, Board, or Commission shall serve without compensation. (Ord. 17-1010 § 11)

2.15.120 Expenses.

The City Council may appropriate funds within the budget of an appropriate City Department to provide for staff support and supplies for use of the Advisory Committees, Board, or Commission, as approved by the Department Director. The City Manager shall provide to each Advisory Committee, Board, or Commission adequate space and facilities and necessary supplies to facilitate the official business of the Committee. (Ord. 17-1010 § 12)

2.15.130 Council review.

The City Council reserves the right to review the conduct, acts and decisions made by the Committees, Boards, or Commissions, as authorized by law. (Ord. 17-1010 § 13)

2.15.140 Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) training.

In accordance with RCW 42.30.205, all members of Citizen Advisory Committees, Commissions, and Boards must complete OPMA training within ninety (90) days of the commencement of a term or assuming duties. The City Clerk shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with this section. (Ord. 17-1010 § 14)

2.15.150 Airport Advisory Committee.

Repealed by Ord. 21-1029. (Ord. 19-1013 § 3; Ord. 17-1010 § 15)

2.15.160 Arts, Culture, and Library Advisory Committee.

A. Duties and Responsibilities. The Arts, Culture and Library Advisory Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council with the following purposes:

1. Make recommendations pertaining to art and culture to the community and creating a bridge between the SeaTac community and the Valley View Library;

2. Inform the City Council in matters of the arts, culture and library related activities and programs;

3. Represent the interest of the community pertaining to the arts, culture and library;

4. Develop cooperation with schools, local, regional, state and national art and cultural related organizations;

5. Solicit grants and resources to enhance and promote related programs;

6. Advocate for increased access and consciousness to art, culture and library programs;

7. Facilitate community dialogue and education on issues including literacy, diversity and intellectual freedom;

8. Establish and administer an Arts and Cultural Master Plan; and

9. Work with King County 4Culture Grant program for funding sources.

B. Membership. The Arts, Culture, and Library Advisory Committee shall consist of seven (7) members composed of:

1. Individuals who work or reside in the City, one of which can be a youth member. (Ord. 17-1010 § 16)

2.15.170 Community Services Advisory Committee.

A. Duties and Responsibilities. The Community Services Advisory Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council with the following purposes:

1. Make reports and recommendations to the City Council concerning community service issues;

2. Bring committee members, leaders and businesses to address issues related to community service;

3. Review City actions which may affect the accessibility or quality of community services available to City residents;

4. Seek volunteers who are interested in performing service in our community;

5. Evaluate funding requests and, based on Council priorities, make recommendations on funding human service agencies and organizations to the Parks and Recreation Committee;

6. Help volunteers find projects in which that can serve the community;

7. Connect volunteers with agencies or groups who conduct community service projects in the City;

8. Connect agencies or groups with service projects in our community;

9. Address other community service issues as deemed appropriate by the Committee;

10. Review and recommend community service plans and policies, including the human service element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan; and

11. Participate in collaborative planning efforts involving citizen groups, human service agencies and local organizations.

B. Membership. The Community Services Advisory Committee shall consist of seven (7) members composed of:

1. Individuals who work or reside in the City, one (1) of which can be a youth member. (Ord. 18-1015 § 3: Ord. 17-1010 § 17)

2.15.180 Hotel-Motel Tax Advisory Committee.

A. Duties and Responsibilities. The Hotel-Motel Tax Advisory Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council with the following purposes:

1. Perform functions as the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, as required by RCW 67.28.1817, for the purposes set forth in Chapter 67.28 RCW;

2. Any proposed imposition of a hotel-motel tax, any proposed increase in the rate of the hotel-motel tax, any proposed repeal of an exemption from the tax, and any proposed change in the use of revenue received from the hotel-motel tax shall be submitted to the Committee for review and comment, at least forty-five (45) days before final action on or passage of the proposal by the Council;

3. Hold public hearings and solicit public comments if necessary;

4. Submit to the City Council comments on any proposal in a timely manner through generally applicable public comment procedures, which shall include an analysis of the extent to which the proposal will accommodate activities for tourists or increased tourism, and the extent to which the proposal will affect the long-term stability of the fund established for receipt of revenue from the hotel-motel tax.

B. Membership. The Hotel-Motel Tax Advisory Committee shall consist of seven (7) members composed of:

1. The Chair, who shall be a sitting Councilmember appointed by the Mayor;

2. Three (3) representatives of businesses located within the City required to collect the lodging tax; and

3. Three (3) persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received from the lodging tax.

Persons who are eligible for appointment under subsection (B)(2) of this section are not eligible for appointment under subsection (B)(3) of this section. Persons who are eligible for appointment under subsection (B)(3) of this section are not eligible for appointment under subsection (B)(2) of this section.

C. Annual Council Review. As required by RCW 67.28.1817(1), the City Council shall annually review the membership of the Committee, and shall make such changes to the number of members appointed to the Committee as the Council may deem appropriate. In no event shall the number of Committee members be reduced to less than five (5). (Ord. 19-1013 § 4; Ord. 17-1010 § 18)

2.15.190 LEOFF 1 Disability Board.

A. Duties and Responsibilities. The LEOFF 1 Disability Board approves medical claims for active and retired fire and LEOFF 1 members, and approves disability leaves and retirements for active fire and police LEOFF 1 members in accordance with provisions of Chapter 41.26 RCW, Chapter 415-105 WAC, and the City of SeaTac Disability Board policies and procedures.

B. Membership. The LEOFF 1 Disability Board shall consist of five (5) members, composed of:

1. Two (2) shall be sitting Councilmembers appointed the Mayor;

2. One (1) shall be a LEOFF 1 member nominated and voted by LEOFF 1 retirees;

3. One (1) shall be a LEOFF 2 member nominated by LEOFF 2 (active Firefighters) and voted by LEOFF 1 retirees; and

4. One (1) shall be a resident of the City voted by the other board members.

C. Terms. Pursuant to RCW 41.26.110, members of the LEOFF 1 Disability Board shall serve a term of two (2) years. (Ord. 17-1010 § 19)

2.15.200 Planning Commission.

A. Duties and Responsibilities. The Planning Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council with the following purposes:

1. Maintain and achieve the highest level of the City’s attributes so that all SeaTac residents and businesses can enjoy and be proud to reside in this community.

2. Study and make recommendations to the City Council for adoption of long-range comprehensive plans, policies, programs, services, and development regulations that are consistent with and implement the Comprehensive Plan and Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) including but not limited to:

a. Growth management;

b. Land use;

c. Housing, including variety, availability and demand, preservation and sustainability, health and safety, renter and owner issues, and affordability;

d. Transportation, including all modes and accessibility;

e. Community facilities, parks and open space, including access to parks and services;

f. Community design and historic resources;

g. Economic development;

h. Utilities and capital facilities;

i. Environmental management.

3. Recommend to the City Council development regulations as defined by RCW 36.70A.030 that may be deemed necessary, and are consistent with and implement the Comprehensive Plan. Development regulations shall include but are not limited to the following:

a. Subdivision Code, SMC Title 14;

b. Zoning Code, SMC Title 15, including the Official Zoning Map;

c. Development Review Code, SMC Title 16A;

d. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Code, SMC Title 17; and

e. Shoreline Master Program, Chapter 18.05 SMC.

4. Conduct required public hearings, review individual or Citywide rezones initiated by the City, and such other actions as may be requested by the City Council.

5. Conduct research and fact finding, which may include undertaking such surveys, analyses, research, and reports in order to fulfill the purposes set forth in this section. The Planning Commission is specifically authorized to join with and cooperate with the planning agencies of other cities and counties, to include regional planning agencies, in furtherance of such research and planning.

6. Work Plan. Annually, by July 15th of each calendar year, to coincide with the City’s preliminary budget or mid-year biennial review process, submit to the City Council a work plan for the ensuing calendar year, together with a report on progress made in implementing the goals and requirements of State law and on the status of land use policies and procedures within the City, for the purpose of assisting the Council in establishing a budget to support the Commission. The work plan may include:

a. A description of all anticipated amendments to the Comprehensive Plan;

b. Anticipated preparation of subarea plans;

c. Anticipated area rezones;

d. Anticipated amendments of development regulations;

e. Any other studies and projects reasonably expected to be undertaken; and

f. Any estimated direct expenses.

B. Membership. The Planning Commission’s membership should reflect the City’s diverse community in a manner that represents the City’s interests and population.

1. The Commission should consist of members qualified by experience or interests in areas related to topics referenced in subsection (A)(2) of this section. Members should represent a cross-section of the community, including, but not limited to, occupations, skills, experiences, ages, ethnicities, demographics, and geographic areas.

2. The Planning Commission shall consist of seven (7) members.

3. If qualified candidates are available, one (1) member should represent each of the following interests:

a. Homeowner, two (2) members preferred.

b. Renter, two (2) members preferred.

c. Owner, operator, or employee of a small business within the City limits.

d. Representative of the construction community, such as builders, architects, engineers, urban planners, and designers.

4. Requirements for Residency.

a. After March 16, 2023, at least six (6) members of the Commission shall be residents of the City who have lived within the City for at least one (1) year (three hundred sixty-five (365) days) prior to appointment to the Commission.

b. One (1) member of the Commission may be a nonresident if the member has been an owner, operator or employee of a small business operating within the City limits for at least one (1) year (three hundred sixty-five (365) days) prior to appointment to the Commission.

5. Effective Date of Residency. Any member of the Commission appointed prior to March 16, 2023, who does not meet the requirement of subsection (B)(4) of this section may nevertheless serve out their current term as a Commission member until that term ends consistent with SMC 2.15.080. At the end of the member’s term, no member of the Commission shall be reappointed to a subsequent term unless the member meets the requirements of subsection (B)(4) of this section. (Ord. 23-1002 § 1; Ord. 19-1015 § 7; Ord. 17-1010 § 20)

2.15.210 Senior Citizen Advisory Committee.

A. Duties and Responsibilities. The Senior Citizen Advisory Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council with the following purposes:

1. Identify issues related to senior citizens in the community;

2. Act as an advisory body to the City Council and provide input through the City Manager and the staff liaison to the City Council on issues relating to senior citizens in the community;

3. Provide increased opportunities for community involvement by senior citizens of the City and community, in general;

4. Advise the City Council, through the City Manager, regarding the delivery of senior citizen programs; and

5. Provide outreach to the community in an effort to develop and place senior citizen issues before the citizens of the City of SeaTac in a positive manner.

B. Membership. The Senior Citizen Advisory Committee shall consist of seven (7) members composed of:

1. Residents fifty-five (55) years of age or older at the time of appointment. (Ord. 17-1010 § 21)

2.15.220 Sidewalk Advisory Committee.

Repealed by Ord. 23-1001. (Ord. 17-1010 § 22)

2.15.230 Tree Board.

A. Duties and Responsibilities. The Tree Board acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council with the following purposes:

1. Meet the obligations of the Tree City U.S.A. Program and ensure the valued natural resource of public trees (and other vegetation) is maintained in a manner that ensures its viability for future generations.

2. Plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees and other plantings within all City of SeaTac rights-of-way, parks and other City properties to preserve public safety and to preserve or enhance the development of public spaces.

3. Study, investigate and develop a written plan for the care, preservation, promotion of public education, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees, shrubs, other vegetation that are located within public spaces, such as parks, public rights-of-way, and any other public place. A list of recommended or beneficial trees and plantings, as well as prohibited trees and plantings, may be included in the plan. Such plan will be presented annually to the City Council and upon the Council’s acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive City Tree Plan. The plan will be reviewed and updated as the Board determines, or as otherwise directed by the City Manager.

4. Make recommendations to the various City departments to implement removal of public trees or parts of public trees that are deemed to be injurious to the general public or that are causing an interference with utilities such as overhead power or transmission lines. This may also include diseased or defective trees.

5. Make its own rules and regulations, and keep a record of its proceedings. A majority of the members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business.

B. Membership. The Tree Board shall consist of five (5) members, composed of:

1. Three (3) qualified City staff that are appointed by the City Manager, and shall serve indefinitely or until new members are appointed by the City Manager; and

2. One (1) sitting Councilmember appointed by the Mayor; and

3. One (1) City resident. (Ord. 17-1010 § 23)

2.15.240 Staggering of terms.

Terms for all positions on Citizen Advisory Committees, Boards, and Commissions shall be staggered. The City Clerk is hereby directed to create a schedule for the staggering of terms so that terms expire in different months throughout the year, and that an approximate equal number of terms expire each year. The City Clerk is authorized to adjust terms of current positions to accommodate the intent of this section. (Ord. 17-1010 § 25)